The Crusader Lordship of Transjordan (1100–1189): settlement forms, dynamics and significance

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study of the 12th-century Crusader Lordship of Transjordan and discusses the traditional view that the principal role of this region was that of frontier of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The possibility of applying the concept of frontier to Transjordan is discussed in the context of a debate on the relationship between frontiers and castles, and of the conclusions obtained from the analysis of settlement patterns of this case study. On the basis of the documentary and archaeological data reviewed here, it is argued that the lordship had several roles, including military, political, economic and social, that were of crucial importance for the entire kingdom, to which it was tightly connected. Simply seeing the lordship and its castles as defining a frontier is not only incorrect, but also fails to reflect this region’s complexity and identity. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the common understanding that Transjordan was an isolated and peripheral region needs to be modified; instead, the elements of continuity with the rest of the kingdom were numerous and significant, to the point that several important socio-economic, military and strategic aspects of the kingdom depended largely on the existence of the Lordship of Transjordan. 1 1 The present study is based on a PhD thesis defended at Cardiff University, School of History, Archaeology and Religion, under the supervision of Prof. Denys Pringle, with the title: 'Settlement in Crusader Transjordan (1100–1189). A Historical and Archaeological Study' and published open access by Cardiff University (Sinibaldi 2014). The thesis presents a comprehensive overview of the available historical and archaeological sources on Crusader-period Transjordan; its publication is currently in progress for Archaeopress.